Burundian nationals have flocked to the Embassy of Burundi in Nairobi and cyber cafes as the government begins enforcing a crackdown on foreigners operating businesses without the required work permits and documentation.
According to images seen by Bomet Newswire Digital, large numbers of Burundians were at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, September 7, 2026, seeking travel documents, while others visited cyber cafes to process documentation amid uncertainty over the government’s new enforcement measures.
The development comes as President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners engaged in small-scale businesses and hawking in Kenya takes effect.
Ruto’s orders on foreign small businesses
Ruto ordered the government to move against foreign nationals operating small businesses, saying the move was necessary to protect Kenyan traders from unfair competition. The President directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement action.
The Head of State said foreigners should not be allowed to compete with Kenyan citizens in small-scale businesses, specifically pointing to hawking and small retail shops.
“From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Ruto said on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while addressing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) traders at State House.
The government has, however, clarified that the crackdown is not a blanket ban on foreigners working or doing business in Kenya.
Also Read: Father arrested after 9-year-old daughter dies following brutal assault in Kibra
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said foreign nationals must meet the relevant immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements to engage in employment, trade or business in the country.
“Visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya,” the CS said.
The clarification is particularly significant for nationals of East African Community countries, including Burundi, who have traditionally enjoyed easier movement across the region.
The current crackdown has nevertheless caused anxiety among some Burundians living and working in Kenya, with reports of nationals seeking travel documentation as enforcement gets underway.
Burundi has also raised concerns over the treatment of its citizens in Kenya. Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana has called for the protection of Burundian nationals amid concerns over anti-Burundian rhetoric linked to the crackdown.
The government maintains that its focus is on foreigners who are engaging in activities reserved for Kenyans or operating without the necessary documentation.
Also Read: Ruto announces Ksh2.6 Billion compensation for 13,000 Mau forest evictees
The crackdown follows growing concern from Kenyan traders who have accused foreign nationals of taking over small-scale retail and hawking businesses, creating what they consider unfair competition.
President Ruto has maintained that small-scale economic opportunities should benefit Kenyan citizens, particularly young people and local traders.
The government has also warned that foreigners who enter Kenya legally but engage in business or employment without the required permits could face enforcement action.
